Overnight waking at 9 months

You made it through the 4-month progression and now it seems like it's happening all over again. It's common for babies at 9-months to become more wakeful and unsettled overnight. This milestone marks significant developments with mobility, speech and comprehension. For parents it can present a tricky few weeks. 

– Understanding sleep pressure –

Your baby's overall sleep requirement has reduced.

Unlike adults who manage on one sleep period a day, infants' sleep pressure (the hardwired need to sleep) can rise and fall quickly. That's why many still require a day nap. So, if your baby is cuing for a nap, let them nap. Don't restrict their day sleep too much. Importantly, these rests (even short ones) take the edge off their sleep pressure and help them remain content throughout the day.

– Understanding object permanence –

At 9 months your baby has a cognitive leap.

Before now you could play peek-a-boo and delight your baby repeatedly. With this new milestone that game no longer cuts it because they know you're still there, even when they can't see you. This is called object permanence and can be challenging for your baby and can lead to separation anxiety. For example, when you put baby to sleep and walk out they know you're still close by so they seek reassurance by calling for you.

 – 6 helpful tips for overnight waking –

• Limit last nap time

  Finish this nap as early as possible to help their sleep pressure rise sufficiently for an easier bedtime.

• Reduce nap length

  Experiment with further reducing day sleep. Go slowly and only reduce overall day sleep by 15 minutes at a time.

• Practice acceptance

  Remind yourself it's quite normal for babies of this age to still wake overnight and require help resettling.

• Provide reassurance

  This is an age when babies need reassurance, so offer plenty of cuddles to help ease them through this stage.

• Play with your baby

  If you have reduced nap time, you'll need to entertain your baby more throughout the day to reduce their frustration.

• Get out and about

  Try to keep your days full and active with outdoor excursions to meet their growing need for sensory stimulation.